Even a protective island of more than 34 miles from the shore of Spain cannot be hidden from plastic pollution.
In a study led by the University of Kiel and published by a sea contamination newsletter, scientists examining the Illa Grossa Gulf at the Maritime Reserve of the Columbret Islands found that the only coral to build reefs of the Mediterranean, covered with record -breaking levels of microplasty and microrurbators.
What happens?
The researchers took five samples of sludge from the bay of Ila Grossa, eventually found a dirty hot spot.
Even without local sources of contamination, the seabed contains an average of 1514 microplastic and microruber particles per kilogram of sediment. One sample even had more than 6,300 particles.
“More than 90% of the particles were smaller than 250 micrometers -small enough to be swallowed by corals,” said Dr. Daniel Priphock of the Helmholtz Center here at the University of Kiel.
Why is this discovery important?
Microplastics are small plastic fragments of destroyed plastic. Because they are so small, they are easy to absorb humans and animals. They are also related to numerous health problems, such as cancer problems and fertility. Microrubber is not as widely discussed, but studies shared by Sciensedaily suggest that this is much more common in the environment than microplasty.
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Microplasty and water bodies for contamination of the microrobents, such as the flood of Ila Grossa. This is where Cladocora tuftedAn endangered species of stony coral appears, which makes these waters one of the most fragile habitats of the Mediterranean.
Coral reefs as C. Tufted Give species of fish, marine hedgehogs, mushrooms and more place to live, often serving “as a center of activity for marine life”, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
“Our discoveries are deeply concerned,” said Dr. Lars, who is gathering, a lead author of the study, Per Kiel University. “Although they relate to a limited area of the Mediterranean, they emphasize that even the protected areas are heavily affected by global plastic contamination, which especially threatens sensitive coral species.”
When coral reefs break down, communities can feel the consequences. Less healthy corals mean less fish and mussels, to which local families rely on food and income. Coral reefs also reduce the wave energy by 97%, according to the Coral Reef alliance. With less coral reefs, local communities can experience more floods.
C. Tufted He has already faced other threats to his well -being. In a 2024 study published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, researchers found Fly-Sash pollution in Illa Grossa Bay. Fly Ash is a toxic compound that comes from the burning of coal.
According to research shared in the Journal of Animal Ecology, coral population has also decreased over the last two decades due to significantly increasing temperatures that have caused sea heat waves in Illa Grossa Bay.
What is being done to protect coral reefs?
Scientists are working on new technologies to keep the valuable coral reefs intact. A group of researchers found that the game of atmospheric sounds of healthy coral reefs of underwater speakers encouraged the construction of reefs. Another research team is experimenting with underwater robots to determine and remove the invasive species that harm Brazil’s coral reefs.
For C. Tufted And the Illa Grossa Gulf specifically, the contamination of the microplastic and micrumubers seems to be the biggest threat. The area is a hub for washing north current waste, as researchers have observed.
A simple way to relieve the pressure on coral reefs is to use a little plastic. Select reusable bags, bottles and containers to reduce the waste that moves in the waterways. With the reduction of global plastic demand, less plastic fragments can reach vulnerable corals such as C. Tuftedgiving them a combat chance of recovering.
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